CXLVI. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)
Overture to "The Marriage of Figaro," K. 492 (1786)
Vienna Symphony
Fabio Luisi, cond.
(4:30)
Frequently cited as one of the greatest operas of all time, Figaro has a wonderfully perverse history.
If you've seen Amadeus, you know most of the story. The wonderful scene where Mozart tries to explain the plot to the Emperor (Joseph II) is probably true.
"Since the piece (based on a 1784 stage comedy by Pierre Beaumarchais) contains much that is objectionable, I therefore expect that the Censor shall either reject it altogether, or at any rate have such alterations made in it that he shall be responsible for the performance of this play and the impression it may make."
What is probably not true is the "too many notes" scene, which Forman likely cobbled from this historical fact:
With the public demanded encore after encore, a night at the opera could turn into a very early morning affair, indeed. Therefore, Joseph instructed Count Rosenberg:
"to prevent the excessive duration of operas, without however prejudicing the fame often sought by opera singers from the repetition of vocal pieces, I deem the enclosed notice to the public (that no piece for more than a single voice is to be repeated) to be the most reasonable expedient. You will therefore cause some posters to this effect to be printed."
The opera is glorious, and the overture rightly famed for its sprightly and vivacious nature:
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